November 12, 2012

Dallas Cowboys players realize that the supposed soft stretch of the team’s schedule, based on opponents’ 2012 records, has arrived.

The Cowboys (4-5), who seek to catch the New York Giants (6-4) in the NFC East race, play five of their next six games at home. Of the team’s seven remaining opponents, only Pittsburgh (5-3) _ which comes to Cowboys Stadium on Dec. 16 _ has a winning record.

But long-term thoughts about the schedule that lies ahead is not something players should be dwelling on, said tight end Jason Witten.

“I think you try to stay away from the schedule, whether it’s good or bad. You take that one game at a time,” Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said in a teleconferce this morning. “We’ve said it a lot. But the teams that really are stacking it up at this time of year, playing their best football, are the teams that give themselves a chance (every week) ... You really can’t worry about what’s outside, and what record, and who’s playing who. You’ve got to worry about your opponent that upcoming week.”

For the Cowboys, the next opponent is Cleveland (2-7) in a Sunday matchup at Cowboys Stadium.